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Cropley’s Suzuki Boston Saturday League

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

October Reports 2005-2006

 

Report for matches played on Saturday October 29

 

Mr Trophies Fishtoft Cup

 

In round two of the competition, Boston Town Colts beat Swineshead Institute 3-2 with goals from Jamie Sleight (2) and Leroy Medina. Fishtoft lost 10-0 to Croft United while Coningsby won through to the semi-final with a 3-0 win over Skegness Town. Scorers for Coningsby were Matt Murray (2) and Craig Wright. Spilsby Town drew 2-2 with Billinghay Athletic before winning through 3-2 on penalties after extra time. Scorers for Spilsby Town were Jordan Wood and Chris Dunn. This was a first defeat of the season for league champions Billinghay Athletic and was an excellent result for Spilsby Town. This continues their recent improving run.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

Fosdyke were hit by an in-form Sleaford Town side and tumbled to a heavy 8-1 defeat. The home side trailed early on but fought back well to equalise. However, they failed to stop the league leaders from winning easily. Scorers for Sleaford Town were Craig Wells (2), Steven Morley (2), James Malkin, William Johns, Iain Stewart and

Thomas Willmott.

 

Holbeach Bank went down 8-0 to Gedney Drove End. Referee Nick Sleaford, returned to his “roots” for this local derby and recorded the score as eight but some Holbeach Bank supporters thought it might have been nine because they’d lost count. It might have been their tears that blurred their vision. Holbeach Bank are obviously planning a successful campaign in their cup competitions because the league looks out of reach. But Gedney Drove End maintained their second spot and it was better preparation for their Spalding Inter-Services Trophy tie against Holbeach United Reserves than for Holbeach Bank’s trip to Sutton Bridge.

 

Old Doningtonians beat Swineshead Institute Reserves 3-2. Scorers for Old Doningtonians were Gavin Slater, Chris Wing (penalty) and Scott Emshall.

 

Old Leake battled out a 2-2 draw with Sutterton. Scorers for Old Leake were Chris Lawson and Bobby Smith. This was a good away point for Sutterton, enough to life them up one place in the league. They are now two places away from the relegation area.

 

Tydd St Mary beat Spalding Town 3-2 thanks to goals by Gavin Thrower, Dan Piccaver and Shaun Dignam. Tydd St Mary thus returned to winning ways and maintained their place in the top half of the division.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

Freiston drew 3-3 with Black Bull United. Scorers for Freiston were Dean Siner (2) and Troy Aighton. Scorers for Black Bull United were McGuire, Woodward and Birkinshaw. It was a first point for Black Bull United and the boys from Kirton will be hoping for more from what so far has been a disappointing season.

 

Holbeach St Marks drew 2-2 with Coningsby Reserves. But it was only a last minute equaliser that denied Holbeach their first win of the season. Scoters for Holbeach St Marks were Stephen Potter and Scott Gardener. St Marks have a trip to Gedney Hill on Saturday in their Spalding Inter-Service Trophy tie and will be wanting a better result.

 

Mareham United Lost 4-3 at home to Park Road Old Boys. Comings from 3-0 down for the second week running, Park Road Old Boys maintained their pursuit of the leaders in this third v fourth fixture. Scoters were Paul Colton (2) and Adam Smith (2). The win was secured by a goal-line clearance by Ian Walsham.

 

Park United beat Croft United Reserves 3-2. Scorers for Park United were David Clark (2) and Chris Clark.

Spalding Harriers lost 2-1 to West End Tigers. Scorer for Spalding was Danny English. Scorers for West End Tigers were Ben Laughton and Gary Hoyles.

 

Spalding Harriers made leaders West End work hard for their victory but the team from Boston maintained their four-point lead at the top of Division Two.

 

Wainfleet United lost 3-1 to Westside Rangers. The appointed referee was not available and Wainfleet United’s John Elsworth filled the position admirably. Despite a 30-yard screamer from Royston Wilkinson for Wainfleet, Westside kept up the chase on leaders West End Tigers.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

Here Billinghay Athletic Reserves drew 4-4 with Mareham United Reserves. At 4-1 up, Mareham missed the opportunity to claim their second maximum points haul for the season. Scorers for Billinghay Athletic Reserves were Jonathan Fenton (2), Mark Barker and Richard Harrod. Scorers for Mareham United Reserves were Richard Hall (hat-trick) and Daniel Keuneke.

 

East Region School of Sport beat Sibsey 7-5 in a remarkable game spoiled by the absence of the appointed referee. But for the second week running, East Region School of Sport rattled up seven. Scorers Mario Richards, Avelino Vieira (2), Fabio Ramos (2) and Vigelio Queffou (2).

 

Friskney versus Park United Reserves was the only goalless fixture in the entire league programme.

 

Holbeach United Social lost 5-1 to Shodfriars. Scorer for Holbeach United Social was Shaun Brothwell but his team were sunk by a “super sub” display with the substitute for Shodfriars coming on and scoring a five-minute hat-trick.

 

Kirton Town Reserves beat Old Doningtonians Reserves 3-0. Scorers for Kirton Town Reserves was Richard Borrill (2) and Mark Richardson. With leaders Woodhall Spa United with a game, second place Kirton took full advantage and this win took them to the top of the Division.

 

West Pinchbeck United lost 9-2 to Wrangle United Reserves. Leading scorer and club secretary Simon Webster hit a first half double for Pinchbeck but could only watch as Wrangle racked up seven without reply in the second half, having been level at 2-2 at the interval.

 

Report for matches played on Saturday October 22

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

Champions Billinghay Athletic produced a five-star performance at Croft United with a blistering first half display that effectively sealed their opponents’ fate. The rampant visitors ran in four first half goals without reply to leave Croft reeling — although the home side were left kicking themselves for not getting back into the game. Two penalties were squandered by Croft as Athletic goalkeeper Steve Scott saved Rob Marsden’s spot kick and later Lee Orrey missed the target with his. Billinghay wrapped up the scoring with a fifth goal in the final minute. The champions have now won three out of three and have yet to concede a goal. Their match-winners were Michael Ward, Tom Dickinson, Pete Dickinson, Matthew Tuck and Paul Munks. Final score 5-0.

 

League leaders, Wyberton, endured a miserable day at home when they entertained Kirton Town at their Causeway ground. Five goals found the back of the home team’s net as they produced a woeful performance.

 

Spilsby Town edged the honours when they visited North Sea United in a nine-goal thriller. The Camp pushed Town all the way although they were always behind throughout the game. Dan Peat converted two penalties for the Prison side while Rob Masters and Lee Pickett also got on the scoresheet, but it wasn’t enough. The Camp claimed that things could have been different had the referee brandished a red card instead of a yellow when Rob Masters was felled by the onrushing keeper when the striker was clean through. It wasn’t to be, however, and Spilsby returned home with the three points following goals from Jordan Wood (2), Liam Papworth, Graham

Blades and Leigh Cuppleditch.

 

Boston Town Colts’ manager Tony Lyon was forced to act as stand-in referee for his side’s home fixture with Wrangle United and his sideline influence was missed. The Colts went down 2-1 in a hard fought contest. After a goal-less first half, Jack Smith scored for the home side but Wrangle replied twice to take the three points.

 

Matt Murray scored the goal for Coningsby in their 1-1 home draw with Swineshead. The home side were a little aggrieved that they were not awarded a penalty for a foul in the box but they had to settle for a share of the spoils.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

A Bobby Smith goal after 20 minutes earned Old Leake maximum points in their home match against Tydd St Mary. Both sides had chances in this evenly contested affair but Tydd had to make the return trip home empty-handed. Leaders, Sleaford Town continue to storm away at the top of the division following a 5-0 home win over Fishtoft. The two sides had clashed in the league seven days earlier and Sleaford came out on top once more improving on last week’s 4-0 scoreline by one goal. Town’s match-winners were Iain Stewart, Steven Morley, Craig Machin, David Arscott and Craig Wells.

 

Gedney Drove End hit two goals in the final ten minutes to run out 3-1 victors at Spalding Town. Steve Tyler had earlier scored for Town but the home side ran out of steam and Gedney took advantage.

 

Old Doningtonians were 1-0 winners at Sutterton following a single 25th minute strike.

 

Nathan Lee-Farrah hit two goals for Swineshead Reserves in their 4-2 home win over Fosdyke. New signing Ryan Barker and Ashley Brighton were also on target for Swineshead.

 

Spilsby Town hit double figures in their home game against lowly, Holbeach Bank. Mark Waters and Dan Vines both hit trebles while the other goals came from Jason Vaughan, Eddie Rich, Johnny Hannah, Mark Ingram and Daniel Webb in an 11-2 victory.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

The top two sides at the start of the day, Mareham United and West End Tigers, clashed in a game of two vastly different halves. West End trailed 1-0 at the halfway stage and it could have been worse for the Boston side had Mareham taken their chances during the first period. The most clearcut opportunity came when Mareham were awarded a dubious penalty but keeper Peter Cook came to  he Tigers' rescue when he kept out the spot-kick. The Tigers improved greatly after the break and they were rewarded with a Stacey Ruck goal to level the scores. Mareham regained the lead 15 minutes from time as West End’s midfielder, Jamie Hicks lay stricken with a facial injury. The lead was short-lived, however, as Ricky Toyer, fresh from his trial at Newcastle, grabbed a deserved equaliser. Final score 2-2.

 

Park Road Old Boys came out on top of a seven-goal thriller at Black Bull United although at one time the game looked well out of their reach. Trailing 3-0, there looked to be no way back for the Old Boys but they gradually got back into the game to snatch the points in a 4-3 score-line. Del Gilbert hit two of the match-winners while Tim Gilbert and Paul Colton made sure of victory. The Bull replied through Tim Rowlands, who grabbed a double and Andy McGuire.

 

Croft United Reserves were let down by five of the players when they travelled to take on promotion-seeking, Westside Rangers at Rosebery Avenue. The visitors, who could only field 10 players, looked like a beaten side before the match got under way and not surprisingly, they went down to a heavy defeat. Eleven goals found the back of Croft’s net as goals rained in from Niall O'Grady who hit five for his side although the striker could have claimed a few more had he not squandered several golden chances. Kev Manning, Michael Burt and Andy Baker all hit two goals apiece to complete the scoring for Rangers.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

Mario Richards scored four of the East Region goals in their 7-4 home win over Mareham United Reserves.

Quessou brothers Dinis (who hit two goals) and Vigelio completed the scoring. Mareham replied through Richard Hall who grabbed two, Daniel Garnett and a Dennis Keuneke penalty.

 

Adam Gallimore’s hat-trick looked to have secured the three points for Park United Reserves in their home game with Billinghay Athletic Reserves but the visitors spoilt the party with a last minute point-saver. Final score 3-3.

 

Another player who plundered a fine hat-trick was Kirton Town Reserves striker Richard Borrill as his side enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 home win against West Pinchbeck. Martin Durrant was also on target for Town.

 

Report for matches played on Saturday October 15

 

Cropley's Suzuki Premier Division

 

Steve Melady went goal-crazy at North Sea scoring five times in Wyberton’s 6-1 victory. The prison side had no answer  as the visitors took maximum points with a powerful performance. Scott Creek grabbed the other goal for Wyberton while North Sea replied through Bernard Coddington.

 

Josh Bartlett scored for Skegness Town when they entertained Boston Town Colts but it was the visitors who went home with the three-point haul thanks to a 2-1 win with strikes from Leigh Taylor and Leroy Medina. 

 

There were only two games in the Premier Division as the first round of the County Cup took centre stage.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

Sleaford Town maintained their 100 percent start with a 4-0 away win at Fishtoft. Matt Holdup got Town off the mark with the opening goal on the half-hour mark before a trio of second half goals sealed another fine victory.  Matt Lunn grabbed two goals after the break on 55 minutes and another with four minutes remaining. In between those two Lunn efforts, an own goal helped seal Fishtoft’s fate.

 

Spilsby Town’s away form continued to disappoint when they made the long journey to Old Doningtonians. Once againTown conceded the opening goal inside the first five minutes but they battled away and were unlucky not have been awarded a penalty when Mark Ingram was tripped on the edge of the area but the referee ruled the offence occurred outside the box. Spilsby did, however, get a penalty in the second half when Eddie Rich was felled in the area and Mark Waters converted from the spot. Old Dons regained the lead with a fortuitous effort from Chris Wing who deflected a cross into the far corner of the net via his knee. Spilsby threw everyone forward in the final 10 minutes in the hope of getting back into the game but the gamble backfired when Old Dons struck twice more in the last five minutes for a final score of 4-1. The other Old Dons’ scorers were Mick Holstead, Bob Holstead and Martin Fox.

 

Old Leake gained a welcome three points when they travelled to Spalding Town. Goals from Chris Wray, Jamie Skinner and Bobby Smith secured Leake’s second league victory of the season with a 3-0 scoreline.

 

Gedney Drove End’s topsy-turvy season continued with a 7-2 home win at the expense of Sutterton. Joe McKeown was again among the goals as he followed up last week’s five-goal haul in the Sports Cup with a hat-trick. The other Gedney goals came from Dave Wilson (2), Deene McCracken and Danny Goddard.

 

Tydd St Mary climbed to second in Division One following this win over Swineshead Reserves, their third back-to-back league win. The Saints got of to a flyer with an early goal after just three minutes when, following some good early pressure, the ball was cleared by Swineshead only to fall nicely to Shaun Dignam on the edge of the box. He smashed his shot against the underside of the bar and it bounced down just over the line for the opener. Both sides had chances

during the rest of the half but none were taken until two minutes before the break when Dignam sent in a  corner from the left that found Andy Bennett at the back post who powered home a bullet header into the opposite corner for 2-0.

The second half continued in the same vein with the Saints just shading the possession. They were rewarded again after 55 minutes when a good ball from Dan Fines on the right released Dan Piccaver who, in turn, beat the keeper to extend their lead at 3-0.  Tydd continued to play some good football although Swineshead also replied in positive fashion and threatened on several occasions as the game drew to a close but the Saints’ back four stood firm and was well marshalled by central defenders Simon Ward and Scott Bird. Man of the match went to Shaun Dignam of Tydd St Mary, with some quality free-kicks and an excellent goal.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

The big top of the table clash between the two sides boasting 100 percent records  saw West End Tigers triumph over Westside Rangers at Rosebery Avenue. Nicky Syndercombe put the Tigers in front when he converted a Gary Hoyles cross after 15 minutes and the lead was doubled a minute before the break when Nicky Syndercombe returned the favour by supplying the corss for Gary Hoyles to bury a header into the net. Gary Hoyles put the game beyond Rangers’ reach when he flashed home a well taken volley from Leo Penha’s cross. Westside finally got some reward when they were awarded a dubious penalty which was converted but West End remained in control. Rangers pulled another goal back in the sixth minute of added time but by then  the outcome was a formality. The Rangers’ goals came from Niall O’Grady and Rick Elsom. Final score 3-2. The result means West End Tigers now have a six-point cushion over their opponents.

 

Mareham United and Croft United served up a seven-goal thriller. Chris Hancock grabbed two goals for the East Coast side while Adam Johnson also got on the scoresheet but it wasn’t enough to gain any reward as Mareham hit four to come out on top. The home side’s match-winners were Darren Vinters and Micky Johnson who both hit two goals apiece in a 4-3 thriller.

 

Park United hit a magnificent seven in their home game against Black Bull United at Carrington. Aaron Doherty and Gervadson Torres both grabbed double-strikes while Will Carter, Roberto Junior and Phil McCallister completed the scoring in a 7-1 mauling.

 

Freiston and Spalding Harriers, both looking for their first victories of the season, fought out a 2-2 draw at the Danny Flear Centre. Both sides produced some good approach play early on but lacked the killer-touch in front of goal. The home side took the lead on 20 minutes when Lee Hoff flew down the right flank before beating the keeper with a cross shot.  The Harriers levelled a minute before the interval when the Freiston defence failed to deal with a corner and the ball was scrambled home. Freiston regained the lead with 20 minutes remaining when Lee Hoff beat his marker to score his second goal of the game and they could have put the game beyond the visitors' reach but Lee Hoff and Aston Chase both squandered golden chances.  Freiston were left to regret the missed opportunities as the Spalding side snatched a point in the final minute when they squeezed the ball in from an acute angle. The Harriers’ scorers were Marcin Mynczynski and Adam Fuller. The draw was probably a fair result in this evenly contested game and sporting encounter.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three   

 

The performance of the day in Division Three went to Friskney who recorded their first win of the season when a single Perrie Dale goal secured the three points. The all-important goal came about when Gareth Williams crossed   from the left flank where Perrie Dale chested down and flicked the ball over the advancing keeper. Final score was 1-0.

 

Shodfriars bounced back from their 3-0 home defeat against Woodhall Spa a week earlier to grab maximum points when they entertained East Region School of Sport.

The majority of the opening exchanges went East Region’s way as they started the brighter but gradually Shoddies gained control and they took the lead when in-form striker Jimmy Brittain scored with a superb lob over the keeper.

The home side continued to press forward and they went further ahead when John Chand was on hand to score with a cool finish. The lively Chand struck again before the break when he flashed home a third to give Shodfriars a comfortable half-time lead. The second period was much more even with both defences standing firm before East Region reduced the arrears midway through the half. John Chand was unlucky not have completed his hat-trick but his shot just cleared the crossbar. Keeper, Shaun Leighton marked a fine debut for Shodfriars with a couple of excellent saves. Final score was 3-1.

 

Woodhall Spa United were made to fight all the way for their 3-1 victory when lowly Billinghay Athletic Reserves visited the table-toppers. Justin Scarborough grabbed two goals for the home side while Jack Draper also got on the scoresheet. The Woodhall camp declared that Billinghay’s performance didn’t reflect their lowly league position and, if they can maintain their fine team spirit, will surely move away from the lower reaches of the table.

 

Lincolnshire Junior Cup 

 

In round one Billinghay Athletic enjoyed a comfortable passage to the next round with a 5-0 home win against Barkston and Syston. Michael Ward hit two of The Billinghay goals while Tom Dickinson, Richard Meldrum and an own goal completed the scoring.

 

Spilsby Town received a much-needed confidence boost with a superb 4-0 away win at Pinchbeck United. Goals from Graham Blades, Jordan Wood, Chris Dunn and Liam Papworth ensured a joyous return journey back home. Town will be hoping this heartening victory will kick-start their league campaign that, so far, has been disappointing.

 

Wrangle United went through to the next round with a 3-1 home victory over Barrowby. United went ahead on 11 minutes when Gavin Bell beat the offside trap before firing past the advancing keeper. Wrangle continued to dominate and they struck the woodwork twice and also missed some golden chances to put the game out of reach. This pattern persisted until late in the game when, with 13 minutes remaining, the visitors rocked Wrangle with an equaliser from virtually their only worthwhile effort on goal. This setback inspired United and they responded almost immediately when reserve team striker, Tim Bell, on as a substitute, scored with a header to edge his side back in front. Richard Fenwick made sure of victory with a third goal two minutes from time. Final score was 3-1.

 

Swineshead are proving to be real jinx opponents for Croft United. For the second time in four weeks Swineshead travelled to Croft United’s Wainfleet Road Ground to record another splendid away win. Swineshead had to be satisfied with a 3-2 victory on this occasion which was in stark contrast to their amazing 5-0 league win last month. Croft got off to a decent enough start when recent transfer signing, Scott Hutchinson was given time in the area to control the ball and shoot home to give his side a slender interval lead. The home side had suffered an injury setback, however, after forty minutes when the influential Joe Harris was forced to leave the action. Swineshead levelled soon after the break when Luke Worley rifled the ball home from the edge of the area after Martin Worth had pressurised a home defender.

Croft had a Dan Halliday goal disallowed before Lee Orrey put Croft back in front after 75 minutes. Nigel Edison equalised just three minutes later before Croft had another effort disallowed when Scott Hutchinson converted Orrey’s pull-back. Nigel Edison then stunned Croft with a dramatic late goal when he scored with a brilliant left foot shot from 20 yards out.

 

Kirton Town squeezed through to the next round with a narrow 2-1 home win over Deeping Rangers at Rosebery Avenue. The crucial goals came from Daniel Keal and Daniel Warren.

 

Fosdyke competed well for the majority of the first half of their tie at Langtoft United and they welcomed back striker Andy Brown to the fold. Although they trailed 1-0 Brown went close on two occasions before disaster struck just before the break when Langtoft struck twice in a minute. Still Fosdyke gave it a go in the second half but once the fourth goal went in their heads went down and it was little surprise when the home side wrapped up the tie with a fifth goal in the dying minutes. Final score was 5-0.

 

 

Report for matches played on Saturday October 8

 

James Eley Sports Cup

 

Boston Town Colts hit two goals in each half to sink Swineshead 4-2 at Tattershall Road. Leroy Medina and Jamie Sleight scored for Town in the first half  before Swineshead bounced back after the break scoring twice within 10 minutes of the restart to level the scores. Both goals came after good work from Benn Houghton with the first being finished by Martin North and the second was tucked away by brother Jack. Swineshead had one or two further chances but found keeper Rick Lovelace in good form. Town sealed victory with late goals from Carl Basker and Kris Jones.

 

Croft United required extra time at Coningsby before dumping their opponents out of the competition. Croft took a while to adjust to Coningsby’s new narrow pitch but a powerful extra time performance decided the outcome. Greg Barker hit two while Lee Orrey and Dan Halliday completed the scoring. Final score was 4-1.

 

Fishtoft enjoyed a comfortable passage through to the next round with a 3-0 home win over Holbeach Bank. Gareth Follows got his side off the mark with a first half goal, scored from the penalty spot before striker, Ady Almond put paid to the Bank’s resistance. Almond hit a second half double to seal the Holbeach side’s fate.

 

The clash between two Division Two sides, Park Road Old Boys and Westside Rangers at George Farmer School was a tight affair until extra time when the Boston side’s superiority edged them through. Jonathan Smith and Jonathan Allen had given Park Road hope but Rangers’ recent signing, Niall O’Grady turned on the style with two goals while James Oliver and Andrew Baker grabbed the other match-winning efforts.

 

Skegness Town and Wrangle United met at Burgh Road in a repeat of last year’s semi-final. This time, however, it was Wrangle who came out on top. The visitors dominated the first half and should have been in front before half-time, striking the crossbar on three occasions. In the second period Wrangle finally went ahead when Gavin Bell sent in a cross for new strike partner, Nick Ward to finish from close range. Skegness hit back to stun their opponents when Paul Butler finished in style to level the scores. As extra time loomed Wrangle’s strike-force, who had worked tirelessly all afternoon, combined to send their side through as Nick Ward fired home into the far corner after cutting inside his marker. Nigel Birtwistle will be heartened by Wrangle’s first win of the season.

 

Sleaford Town riding high in Division One, not surprisingly, eliminated struggling, Spilsby Town from the Premier Division. A Craig Wells goal was enough to settle the match in a 1-0 scoreline.

 

A comprehensive 6-1 score-line against Park United at Haven High School saw West End Tigers power through to the next round. Spencer Swadling opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Martin Jolly had been brought down in the area. That was the big defender’s sixth goal in six games. Park rocked their opponents with a smart equaliser before Leo Penha and Gary Hoyles added further first half goals to give The Tigers a two-goal cushion. Penha added his second goal of the game before skipper, Scott Palmer completed the scoring with the final two strikes, his second effort being a superb solo goal. Final score was 6-1.

 

Below-par Freiston finally managed to defeat Third Division Side East Region School of Sport with two goals in the final 10 minutes. The underdogs took the lead on 25 minutes before Troy Ayton equalised on the stroke of half time with a cross shot. East Region continued to capitalise on some wayward passing after the break and they went in front on the hour mark. With an upset looking a distinct possibility Lee Hoff eventually levelled the scores when he broke down the right before beating the keeper. Freiston forced several late corners and from one of them a visiting defender shoved an opponent in the area and Troy Ayton tucked away the winner from the penalty spot. Final score was 3-2

 

A Neil Featherstone hat-trick helped Kirton Town to breeze through to the next round at the expense of Sibsey at Rosebery Avenue. Kevin Oglesbee, Daniel Warren and a Stuart Bartholomew penalty were also on target in a 6-0 victory.

 

Joe McKeown grabbed five of Gedney Drove End’s goals in their 8-2 home win over Third Division side West Pinchbeck. The other match-winning goals came from Simon Ward, Deene McCracken and Neil Armstrong.

 

Old Doningtonians were never a match for Premier Division champions, Billinghay Athletic as they went down to a heavy 8-0 defeat.

 

Holbeach St Marks sadly had to pull out of their home tie with Wyberton due a lack of available players. The likely outcome of Wednesday’s management meeting will be the award of a walk-over to the Premier Division side.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division One

 

Spilsby Town Reserves entertained Old Leake at their Ancaster Road Ground and both sides contributed to providing an exciting eight-goal thriller. The home team edged victory with goals from Johnny Hannah, Ashley Pawson, Jamie Opray and a double from Jordan Wood. Old Leake struck first after just five minutes before Johhny Hannah scored his first goal following his in-swinging corner that everyone missed and the ball found the corner of the net. Spilsby held the upper hand for the rest of the first half and Sam Graham struck the crossbar before Ash Pawson crashed home a long range free-kick. Town went 3-1 ahead just before the break when substitute Jamie Opray broke down the right before firing home a low shot into the far corner. Old Leake stormed back after the break with the wind advantage behind their backs and they reduced the arrears after 55 minutes when stand-in keeper, Stewart Riches was beaten at the near post.

The visitors continued to pile forward but they found Riches in fine form and Spilsby were restricted to counter attacking which saw Mark Waters go close twice. With half four minutes remaining, Jordan Wood made a welcome return to action following a lengthy injury lay-off. And the diminutive striker wasted no time in finding the back of the net when he scored with a fine solo effort and he added another when he finished off a good move. Old Leake had the final say when they scored with a powerful shot in the final minute. Final score was 5-3. Old Leake’s goals came from Bobby Smith, Chris Smith and Ricky Southwell.

 

Tydd were always in control of their game against Fosdyke and deservedly took the lead after just six  minutes. Shaun Dignam sent a searching cross in from the right that was controlled well by Dan Piccaver to rifle into the top right hand corner. The Saints made it 2-0 on 33 minutes after some good work by Andy Cooper set up Piccaver for his second. Cooper turned provider again for a 3-0 lead right on the stroke of half-time when he sent a perfectly weighted ball over the Fosdyke defence for Andy Bennett to fire into the bottom left hand corner of the net. The Saints came roaring out of the blocks after the break and went immediately 4-0 up. This was by far the best goal of the game. Cooper fed a pass down the left to Piccaver who then sent a searching ball into the box to find Bennett with his back to goal. The striker then coolly teed the ball up for Phil Turner to curl a powerful shot into the top right hand corner. Tydd carried on with the pressure but found the Fosdyke defence now resilient. Piccaver failed to claim his hat trick when he pulled a penalty wide of the Fosdyke post. Fosdyke pulled one back through a Scott O’Connell header to make it 4-1 on the hour and then produced their best spell of the game but it was too little too late and The Saints comfortably took all three points.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

Eddie Creasey hit two goals for Billinghay Athletic Reserves in their home game with Old Doningtonians but it wasn’t enough as the visitors returned home with the three points following a 3-2 win. Old Dons’ match-winners were Barry Taylor, David Pitts and Pete Lunn.

 

Mareham Reserves and Wrangle United Reserves finished all-square after their 1-1 draw. Richard Hall scored for Mareham while Wrangle’s reply came courtesy of an own goal.

 

Kirton Town Reserves moved to the top of the table with a 6-1 victory against Park United Reserves at Carrington. New signing, Dave Donahoe celebrated his debut with a fine hat-trick while Martin Durrant scored twice. The final goal came from Richard Borrill.

 

Report for matches played on Saturday October 1

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Premier Division

 

Croft United got back on course with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Coningsby. The victory, however, came at a cost as an unfortunate injury to Adam Cowdell took the shine of their celebrations. The midfielder suffered what was thought to have been a suspected broken ankle following a strong tackle just before half-time resulting in the game being held

up for 25 minutes. The player was released from hospital late on Saturday night with the news that the ankle was badly bruised. It is expected he will be out of action for at least two weeks. Croft's recent signing, Lee Orrey finally showed his scoring potential with a double strike while Simon Cannon grabbed the other goal.

 

Champions Billinghay Athletic took the honours in a closely fought encounter at home to Swineshead with a single-goal victory. The game was very tight with both defences in control although Billinghay went closest in the first period with a shot that hit a post. Billinghay edged the battle for possession in the second half before Pete Dickinson broke the deadlock with the all-important goal 15 minutes from time. The midfielder’s shot through a crowded goalmouth was deflected past the stranded keeper.   Billinghay, still playing catch-up, now have maximum points form their two league games.

 

Boston Town Colts continue to look threatening at the top of the table following their 3-2 home win over Wyberton.

Jamie Sleight, Jack Smith and Leroy Medina hit the crucial goals for Town while the visitors replied through Joe Hallam and Gavin Marshall.

 

North Sea United got off the mark at last with their first point of the season following their 4-4 draw against Wrangle United. Wrangle got off to a storming start, however, with new signing, Jonathan Foley converting a Gavin Bell cross after just two minutes. Bell then added a second after 10 minutes with a fine solo effort. Wrangle then missed several gilt-edged chances before The Prison side produced an amazing turnaround scoring four times through Dan Peet, Jonathan Buchanan, Paul Thompson and Lee Pickett to lead 4-2 at half-time. Wrangle recovered after the break and Dave Robinson pulled a goal back when he capitalised on a goalkeeper’s spillage following a Bell free-kick. Bell scored his second and Wrangle’s fourth to bring the scores level at 4-4 as the visitors looked to snatch the points. But although the visitors struck the Camp’s woodwork they couldn’t find a way through for the winner and the game finished all square.

 

In the day’s remaining fixture, Skegness Town were forced to pull out of their away clash at Kirton Town on Friday night due to a lack of available players. The matter will be discussed at the league’s next management committee meeting where the likely outcome will be the award of the three points to Kirton Town.

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Two

 

A competent performance by West End Tigers saw them take three points at home to Coningsby Reserves following a 2-1

victory. Spencer Swadling opened the scoring for the Tigers when he netted from the penalty spot after Craig Ardron had been felled in the box. Leo Penha then made it 2-0 when he lifted a free-kick over the wall and into the net before Kevin Orton helped retain his side's two-goal cushion when he cleared off the line with a diving header. In the second half Orton was unlucky at the other end when his curling effort struck a post. Coningsby were rewarded for their efforts with a late goal to make the final score 2-1

 

Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three

 

In Cropley’s Suzuki Division Three, Shaun Brothwell scored the only goal of the game as Holbeach United Social Club recorded a narrow 1-0 home win over Old Doningtonians Reserves.

 

East Region School of Sport’s manager Steve Williams is still struggling to raise a full side as he awaits international clearance on several Portugese players. The experienced midfielder was forced to turn out in his side’s home tie against Friskney and his influence helped the players around him to overpower their opponents in a 4-1 victory. Conrad Louth was East Region’s saviour scoring a fine hat-trick while Vigelio Quesson also got on the scoresheet. Jonathan Redford replied for Friskney.

 

Sibsey and Billinghay Atletic Reserves shared the points in an exciting 3-3 draw at Rosebery Avenue. New transfer signing Dean Stevens, Dan Mustill and Paul Burrell were on target for Sibsey.

 

Kirton Town Reserves keep the pressure on at the top of the table following their fine 4-1 away win at Wrangle United Reserves. Richard Borrill hit two goals for Town while Simon Collins and Mark Richardson rounded off a good day for the visitors. Wrangle’s goal came from the lively Nick Ward.

 

Target Newspapers Challenge Cup

 

In round one of the Target Newspapers Challenge Cup, Kevin Woods set Fishtoft on their way to a 4-2 home win over Fosdyke with the opening goal of the game. Ady Almond grabbed two goals while Andy Wyeth also got on the scoresheet as Fishtoft stormed into a 4-0 lead. Fosdyke fought back as a change of tactics worked momentarily with Scott Ekins pulling a goal back. The same player was then credited with his side’s second goal when his corner evaded everyone to find the net. Wayne Ash then struck a post as Fosdyke went for broke and Paul Wright flashed a shot just wide as Fosdyke produced their best 45 minutes of the season so far. Final score was 4-2. Fosdyke’s Andy Hardstaff was heartened by his team’s efforts but is still desperately searching for a goalkeeper to relieve the stresses of team selection.

 

Park United’s Brazilian goal-scoring machine Gervadson Torres chalked up another two goals for his side when they entertained Black Bull United. Aaron Doherty also grabbed a double strike while Roberto Junior also scored for Park. Final score was 5-0

 

A late Andrew Baker goal settled a tight encounter between the two sides leading Divisions Two and Three sides as Westside Rangers and Woodhall Spa United clashed in The Challenge Cup. The midfielder struck with four minutes remaining tp prevent the tie going into extra time and putting The Division Two side through to the next round.

 

The all-Division Two clash between Freiston and Park Road Old Boys at Danny Flear Centre ended with a 3-1 victory to the home side. Troy Ayton was making his first outing of the season for Freiston and he opened the scoring with a left foot shot after 15 minutes. The home side had Park Road defending for long periods but were unable to add to their score before the break. The visitors started the second period strongly but the Freiston defence stood firm and the bounced back to increase their lead on the hour mark when a neat passing move ended with Ayton rifling the ball past the keeper.

Park Road continued to press forward and they got back into the game 10 minutes later when a shot from striker, Paul Colton rebounded off the post before striking keeper, Matthew Bainbridge and deflecting over the line. The visitors were denied an equaliser when another shot came back off the upright before Freiston wrapped up the tie 10 minutes from time. Substitute Dave Leggate rounded his marker before firing home a right foot shot to give Freiston their first win of the season.

 

Spalding Town and Holbeach St Marks produced a five-goal thriller at the Castle Sports complex. Town triumphed with goals from Gareth Burnett who struck twice and Mark Henderson. Harriers, from Division Two, pushed Old Doningtonians all the way before the Division One side edged through to the next round by the narrow margin of

3-2. The Harriers took a shock lead when Marcin Minczynski scored before Old Dons levelled before the interval. The Dons then took the initiative after the break and they were rewarded with two goals to put them in the driving seat but

The Spalding side were not finished and they pulled a goal back, Minczynski again on target, to ensure the tie had an exciting climax. Steve Burdall scored twice for the Dons while Gavin Slater hit the other goal.

 

Tydd St Mary put in a battling display against in-form Sleaford Town but it was not enough to go through to the next round. The Saints went ahead on 27 minutes when a neat Phil Turner through ball was tucked away well by Andy Cooper. Sleaford responded on 34 minutes when a fierce free-kick from the edge of the box was parried by keeper Bird only to fall nicely for Matt Lunn to slide the ball home for the equaliser. Tydd regained the lead five minutes before the break when Shaun Dignam lofted a free kick over the back four for Dan Piccaver to head comfortably home. Sleaford drew level within 11 minutes of the restart with a smart one two around the Tydd defence for 2 -2, Lunn again the scorer. Both teams were even from then on until a disputed penalty was awarded to Sleaford and Jamie Black gave Bird in goal no chance for 3-2. This changed the shape of the game and Sleaford finished the match off with just eight minutes to go when a clever ball over the top beat the offside trap and was stroked home by Lunn to complete his well-taken hat-trick and make the final score 4-2.

 

Jimmy Brittain was again among the goals for Shodfriars when he grabbed another fine hat-trick but he still managed to finish up on the losing side at Wainfleet United. Shaun Drury matched Brittain’s feat with a hat-trick himself as United recorded their first win of the season. Drury’s first half strike gave Wainfleet a narrow 1-0 interval lead before he added another after the break. Brittain pulled a goal back for Shoddies from the penalty spot before Lee Johnson set up Drury for his third goal. Johnson added a fourth shortly afterwards before blotting his copybook when he got himself sent off. Brittain gave the visitors real hope when he reduced the arrears twice to set Wainfleet’s nerves jangling. Rob Baker dashed The Boston side's slender hopes, however, when he added a fifth goal for the home side to make the final score 5-3.

 

James Laing scored the only goal of the game as Holbeach Bank squeezed through to the next round at the expense of visitors, Sutterton. Final score was 1-0.

 

Division Three side West Pinchbeck looked capable of causing an upset for long period of their game with Mareham United and they opened the scoring through Matthew Bent before the visitors equalised before the break to set up what looked like to be a tight second half. After Mareham had edged in front early in the second period Simon Webster put the minnows on level terms. The rest of the second half, however, proved just what a funny old game football can be as the Division Two outfit scored seven times without reply to leave West Pinchbeck stunned. Six of the Mareham goals came in a devastating burst in the final 15 minutes. Final score was 9-2.

 

In the round’s other tie, last season’s holders, Gedney Drove End, unfortunately had to withdraw from their game at Old Leake due to a lack of players. It is expected that Old Leake will be awarded a “walk-over.” Gedney Drove End, obviously disappointed at their inability to raise a side, blamed their withdrawal on several of their players opting to play for Holbeach United Reserves.